Persuasive Speeches – Was the French Revolution Success or a Failure?
Recently we have learned about the causes that sparked revolution in France in 1789 as well as the turmoil that
followed. Despite democratic ideals, the revolution sparked a bloody “reign of terror” and eventually allowed a
military dictator to assume control of France. For this speech project, consider the beginning of the French Revolution
to be the “Tennis Court Oath” at the meeting of the Estates General in 1789 and the end of the revolution as the final
defeat of Napoleon in 1815. Clearly, there were many ups and downs during the more than 25 years of turmoil in
France…was it all worth it?
Was the French Revolution a success or a failure?
(Were the people of France better off than they had been under absolute monarchy and what can be learned from the French Revolution?)
Answering these questions thoughtfully is the goal of this speech project.
Guidelines
1) Review your French Revolution timeline notes, HW #1 and #2 and Napoleon slideshow notes for help to brainstorm
ideas that could be used to argue your assigned roles point of view in the debate. Brainstorm on the back of this sheet.
2) Write a speech that is about one page long (double spaced) that

Clearly identifies your point of view on the successes or failures of the revolution (FOCUS)

Includes specific people, ideas and events that support your assigned point of view (EVIDENCE)

Blends in original arguments that would convince a neutral person (PERSUASIVENESS)
3) Assume your audience is moderate (not extreme right or left wing). See rubric below for how you will be assessed.
4) Bring a hard copy of your speech on Friday 10/30.
French Revolution Success or a Failure? Persuasive Speeches –– Grading Rubric
5 points per
category
A
B
C
Focus of
Speech
Clear and consistent focus on the
assigned POV.
Mentions focus at start but may
lose connection to assigned POV.
Superficially or indirectly
addresses the assigned POV.
Evidence in
Speech
Abundant specific details relating
to many aspects of assigned POV.
Some valid details with some
links to assigned POV.
Limited, superficial details OR
details not clearly linked to POV.
Persuasiveness
of Speech
Multiple explanations connecting
the relevance of facts to proving
POV. Original and convincing
language throughout.
Some original comments made
linking significance of some
details to assigned POV. Mostly
original voice.
Limited commentary as to why
facts presented support assigned
POV. Little original voice.
Speech
Participation
Multiple thoughtful verbal
comments and consistent active
listening.
A few thoughtful verbal
comments and usually attentive.
Attentive, but little or no verbal
participation OR often not
attentive when not speaking.
OVERALL GRADE: _____/20
BRAINSTORM IDEAS AND EVIDENCE HERE TO SUPPORT YOUR ASSIGNED POV:
SUCCESS
FAILURE
Consider the following when brainstorming your arguments. You don’t have to address all of these points, they
are just to get you thinking about how the French Revolution may be considered either a success or a failure.






What were the original goals of the revolution and how were they or weren’t they fulfilled?
How did the revolution improve or not improve average people’s lives?
What rights were gained or lost during the revolution?
How was Robespierre a hero for France? How was he a villain?
How was Napoleon a hero for France? How was he a villain?
Was the violence of the revolution justified given the outcomes?
BRAINSTORM NOTES: